Osiris Iris
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12×12 Oil on Linen
© Margret E. Short, OPA, AWA, 2009
Lessons from the Pharaoh’s Tomb
Lawrence Gallery, Portland, Oregon
September & October 2009
This 12×12 inch painting, Osiris Iris, is a play on words and dedicated to the god of the Netherworld, Osiris, husband of Isis and father of Horus. This God of the Dead is associated with the star Sirius which during its cycle disappears for 70 days of the year. Osiris disappears for the same amount of time, 70 days, which is the exact time necessary to complete the mummification process. Each person would symbolically become Osiris upon death, disappear for 70 days, and thus become a true mummy. Perfectly logical!
The iris flower has long been a popular subject for artists including Vincent Van Gogh. It is also the image used for the famous fleur-de-lis which has been used throughout history on flags or other emblems. I have painted purple irises many times over the years and each time it is a challenge to achieve just the right color. Here I used a combination of Egyptian blue, madder, and red iron oxide for the various purples. Sinopia has a smashing iron oxide called blood stone red that is highly saturated and must be tamed or it easily gets the upper hand. This palette is very limited which easily creates a harmonious appearance.
Lawrence Gallery, Portland, Oregon
